Mr. David L Kelley

David Lawrence Kelley, 91, of Beaumont, Texas went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 24, 2014. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. He died of natural causes.

He was born on August 30, 1922 in Lufkin, Texas to D.L. Kelley, Sr. and Lou Kelley. He was one of eight children. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a Sergeant in the 84th Infantry Division. His medals include: the U.S. Army Medal, Infantry Man Medal, Expert Rifleman Medal, American Theatre Medal, Combat Infantry Medal, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and three Battle Stars (Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhine, and Battle of the Bulge).

On May 26, 1946, he married Vera Mae Wood. They enjoyed a happy and loving marriage for sixty-six years before she preceded him in death on August 5, 2012.

He was an active member of The Apostolic Church of Beaumont, beginning in 1969. He served as a board member for the church from 1970 until 2001. In 2008, the church family nominated and awarded him the honor of “Father of the Year”.

He retired from Bethlehem Steel as an outside machinist supervisor in 1985. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. He and Vera spent much time camping near Lake Rayburn. He also enjoyed landscaping and working in his garden.

He was known for his faithfulness to God and his family. Though he dealt with numerous health challenges throughout his life, he always kept his humor and was an encouragement to his friends and family. Those who knew him well knew that he was never late, relied heavily on fractions, and could be found at lunchtime near the town Mexican restaurant. He and Vera created a warm and inviting home where no one was a stranger; you could drop by for a cup of coffee, and often a slice of cake, and just stay a while.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings; his wife, Vera and their four infant children.

He is survived by one brother, J.W. Kelley and his wife Betty; his son, Richard Kelley; his daughter, Rhonda Bryan and her husband Mark; his grandchildren: Holli Skelton, Josh Kelley, Elizabeth Padron and her husband Luis, Anthony Bryan and his wife Vanessa, and Ansleigh Kelley. He is also survived by numerous great grandchildren and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Homegoing Service will be held at The Apostolic Church of Beaumont on Thursday, January 30, 2014. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. At 2:00 PM, the Homegoing Service will begin. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas, with full military honors.

He was a great Christian and an American Hero. Our lives are better because of his kindness and influence. He will always be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

**Due to the weather services will be on Thursday, January 30, 2014 at The Apostolic Church of Beaumont at 2:00 PM with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.